18 October 2026 4:06 pm WAT
US President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for unrest in France, calling on the French government to tighten its border controls following protests that reportedly caused widespread damage.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump argued that immigration from different parts of the world had contributed to the situation in France and urged the country to take action.
“France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country,” Trump wrote.
“Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!” he added.
France witnessed widespread damage during protests on Saturday, including the burning of a historic town hall. Authorities reportedly made 1,800 arrests as the unrest intensified.
The protests have also increased pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron, with elections to replace him scheduled in six months.
Trump’s comments came a day after US Vice President JD Vance made similar remarks, linking the unrest to immigration and the integration of migrants into French society.
In a post on X on Saturday, Vance criticised what he described as the consequences of immigration policies adopted in the name of diversity and compassion.
“Western liberals imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion. They ignored fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility. They were told it would lead to this and they didn’t listen,” Vance wrote.
He also expressed concern over the damage to French landmarks, saying he hoped the country would address the situation before further destruction occurred.
“I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn,” he added.
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